Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez will take a big step forward when he faces live hitters on Thursday in Jupiter.

Fernandez has been on the shelf since last May when he fell victim to a torn ulnar collateral ligament. The result of that injury was Tommy John surgery which involves a lengthy rehab process. Along the way, pitchers face many steps and obstacles while trying to build up their strength.

Taking on live hitters is considered a critical part of the process, and will give Fernandez his first feel of game action in a long time. Thus far, Fernandez has thrown bullpen sessions and has mixed in all his pitches. The positive news for Miami has been a lack of setbacks for the right-hander in those sessions.

Fernandez is expected to throw only 15 pitches on Thursday but it will follow a full warm-up session. This will give the ace the best simulation of a real start as possible without taxing his arm. The hitters that Fernandez will face will be minor leaguers.

If everything goes well in Thursday's session, the Marlins will likely have Fernandez increase his pitch count the next time out. This is similar to the start of spring training for any other pitcher. Miami will take it slow with Fernandez, and build up his pitch count only if he experiences no setbacks. Any such problem would likely result in shutting Fernandez down until the issue is rectified.

Miami could have Fernandez back in its rotation in late June if everything goes according to plan.